PRAKASH NARAYAN

Apr. 28, 2026

What to Expect at MentorConnect: Do’s and Don’ts for Mentees

This year, at TiEcon 2026, we have brought together a fantastic group of luminaries who are willing to mentor you in a near one-on-one setting. All of our Mentors are rock stars. We certainly hope that you derive the most out of this program. This blog post is intended to provide you with the resources to navigate your time with the Mentor of your choice.

Mentors can provide their wisdom on management leadership skills, career success factors, industry insights, communication skills, best practices, and more. This is not an opportunity to “sell” your product/services to them.

You can find the details on all the Mentors (including their LinkedIn profiles) in the MentorConnect page. Here is an article that provides more information about Entrepreneur programs at TiEcon26.

MentorConnect takes place during lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 pm on Thursday, April 30th, and Friday, May 1st, at Hall A-1 (inside the Expo Hall). Volunteers of the MentorConnect Steering Committee will guide you to your table when you arrive at the location.

We have tried our best to allot a mentor of your choice to you. The slots are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please do not switch from the mentor allotted to you.

Suggested Questions

Some of you have requested that we post “suggested questions” – to help you get started in your Mentoring Session. While these questions may help “break the ice”, please prepare for your Mentoring Session by writing down your questions in advance. Also, pace your questions. Please be respectful of the other people in the session. We have limited the number of people per session to allow for deep, meaningful conversations. Please also be aware that not all questions are relevant/meaningful to all the Mentors. Each Mentor has a certain skill set and value. Clearly, you selected them because they align with the values that are meaningful to you.

1. What do you do to challenge your underlying beliefs, paradigms and assumptions?
2. How do you handle obstacles and roadblocks?
3. What would be your advice to those who start late in their career as an entrepreneur?
4. What do you wish you had known before taking your first management role?
5. Can you tell me about a time when you had a difficult boss? How did you handle the situation?
6. What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned and how has it proven invaluable?
7. How do I prepare to be an entrepreneur (which invariably means trade-offs and sacrifices at many levels) against the comforts of a relatively steady job and also the demands of a certain quality of life? (mortgage, private schools, vacations, etc.)
8. How important are networking and building relationships in the entrepreneurial journey, and what strategies do you recommend for effective networking?
9. How do you go about validating your ideas?
10. How do you stay resilient in the face of setbacks or failures, and what lessons have you learned from overcoming challenges in your entrepreneurial journey?
11. How much capital does an entrepreneur need to raise in order to get started with operations?
12. What are some of the successful marketing strategies that you have seen companies use in the early days to target consumers?
13. What are your suggestions to early-stage start-ups as to the thresholds and criteria they must demonstrate before being considered for investment?
14. How is valuation determined for seed startups?
15. How and where do you find inspiration?
16. How do you keep your feelings separate from your decision-making?
17. How do you balance your work and home life?
18. What skills have been most beneficial to you?
19. Do you have a mentor? How have they influenced you?
20. How do you encourage innovative ideas?

Lastly, please be respectful of the Mentors. They have been kind enough to offer their time from their busy schedules to participate in this program.

While "walk-ins" are allowed (as long you have a receipt for "proof of payment" for the MentorConnect AddOn), you will have limited ability to get a Mentor of your choice. We recommend that you register in advance  - so that we can communicate with you to have the opportunity to select a Mentor for each day of the Conference.

We certainly hope that you have an enjoyable experience at TiEcon 2026.

In Memory of Sada Chidambaram

A Pioneer Ahead of his time

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sada Chidambaram on March 16, 2026, a loss I came to know of through the obituary column in today’s Mercury News. While time and distance often create gaps in our connections, the impact certain individuals have on our lives - and on entire industries - endures far beyond those gaps. Sada was one such individual.

I first came to know Sada while he was working for Tandy Corporation, and I was working in the same building for DCM Data Products in Fort Worth, Texas. Those were formative years in the evolution of the computing industry, when ideas were still taking shape, and the contours of what would become the global technology ecosystem were far from clear. Even in that environment, Sada stood apart. He possessed not only strong technical insight, but something far rarer: the ability to see around corners.

In the mid-1980s, long before globalization became a dominant force in technology, Sada was among the very first people I encountered who understood the potential of outsourced product development in India. At a time when most organizations were still operating within rigid geographic and operational boundaries, he envisioned a model that leveraged global talent, cost efficiencies, and distributed innovation.

What seemed unconventional then has since evolved into a cornerstone of the global technology industry. Today, outsourced product development and global engineering teams are integral to how software is built, scaled, and delivered. Entire ecosystems - spanning services, startups, and multinational enterprises - owe their existence, in part, to early pioneers like Sada who were willing to challenge prevailing norms.

But to describe Sada solely through the lens of his professional foresight would be incomplete. What made him truly memorable was the quiet conviction with which he carried his ideas. He was not someone who sought attention or recognition; rather, he was deeply thoughtful, measured, and purposeful. His influence was often subtle, but no less profound for it. He planted seeds - ideas, approaches, ways of thinking - that others would later nurture and expand.

In reflecting on Sada’s life, one is struck by the arc of impact. From early experiments in global collaboration to the massive, interconnected technology landscape we see today, his contributions sit at the foundation of a transformation that continues to shape our world. Many of us who participated in, benefited from, or helped build this ecosystem may not always pause to consider its origins - but it is important that we do.

On a personal level, I remember Sada as someone who combined intellect with humility, and vision with pragmatism. He was a fellow Charter Member at TiE Silicon Valley, and we would often run into each other at meetings and conferences. In fact, I was looking forward to meeting him at the upcoming TiEcon 2026 in. Santa Clara next week. I could see that he always approached problems with clarity, and opportunities with a sense of possibility. Those who had the opportunity to work with him, even briefly, came away with a deeper appreciation for both the craft and the future of technology.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life that was quietly influential and deeply consequential. His legacy is not confined to any one company, role, or achievement - it lives on in the global practices he helped pioneer and the countless professionals and organizations that continue to build on that foundation.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him more closely. May they find comfort in knowing that Sada’s life and work have left a lasting imprint—one that will continue to resonate for years to come.

May his soul rest in peace.

Note: I had shared this blog post with a few other folks who knew Sada from his days at Tandy. Here is a comment from Dr. K J Cleetus:

I remember Sada Chidambaram from the many occasions I visited the DCM office in Tandy Tower Two. He was gentle and informal in his manner, someone who immediately put others at ease. At the time, Sada was responsible for outsourcing products out of Japan for Tandy - a role that reflected both his global outlook and his operational depth. He spoke Japanese fluently, a skill that was both rare and invaluable in those days.

Although he was not directly involved with the DCM DP software business, he took a keen and genuine interest in what we were building. In many ways, he became an informal guide to us. We spent several hours in conversation in his office - discussions that were always thoughtful, insightful, and encouraging.

Sada played a key role in Tandy’s merchandising operations and was widely respected for his capabilities. Yet, looking back, it seems that his contributions may not have been fully recognized in terms of advancement to the executive ranks. Even so, he carried himself with quiet dignity, focused more on the work and its impact than on titles or recognition.

I remember him with deep respect and fond regard.

Sruti Bhedham - A Musical Drama from Bay Area Drama Company

 Sruti Bhedham is a deeply evocative theatrical experience that lingers in the mind long after the curtain falls. Adapted with sensitivity and nuance, the play explores the world of classical Carnatic music, relationships, identity, and the passage of time with remarkable emotional depth. Without revealing the storyline, it is safe to say that the production draws the audience into a richly layered narrative that unfolds across decades, offering moments of introspection, poignancy, and quiet revelation.

At the heart of the play is an outstanding ensemble of performers who bring authenticity and emotional resonance to every scene. The portrayal of Nithya (by Abhirami Shankar) stands out for its range and intensity, capturing both vulnerability and strength with equal conviction. The actor inhabits the character so completely that the audience feels every internal conflict and transformation, making the journey compelling without ever being overstated.

Equally noteworthy is the performance of Kalyani (by Dheepa Ramanujam), whose presence brings warmth, dignity, and emotional grounding to the stage. The portrayal is nuanced, avoiding caricature and instead presenting a deeply human character whose quiet resilience becomes one of the anchors of the production. The chemistry between Nithya and Kalyani is particularly effective, creating moments that feel intimate and real, drawing the audience into their shared emotional space.

The character of Ilayankudi Panchapakesan (by Karthik Ramachandran) is brought to life with remarkable gravitas. The performance captures the complexity of a celebrated artist - his brilliance, his contradictions, and the aura that surrounds him - without ever tipping into exaggeration. There is a certain stillness and authority in the portrayal that commands attention, making every appearance on stage impactful.

Adding a layer of both lightness and depth is Ambhi (by Naveen Nathan), whose performance is a delight to watch. The character provides moments of humor and relief, yet never feels disconnected from the

emotional fabric of the play. The actor’s timing, expressions, and delivery bring a natural charm that enriches the overall experience, ensuring that the play maintains a fine balance between intensity and accessibility.

As a musical, Sruti Bhedham excels in its integration of music with storytelling. The music (directed by Asha Ramesh) is not merely an accompaniment but an essential narrative device that elevates the emotional tone of the play. Each musical segment feels purposeful, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the performance. The compositions and renditions (male by Anil Narasimha and female by Roopa Mahadevan) enhance the dramatic moments, allowing the audience to experience the story not just intellectually but emotionally. The music, in many ways, becomes a character in itself - guiding, reflecting, and amplifying the journey on stage.

One of the most impressive aspects of the production is its use of stage props and design, which effectively support the narrative as it moves through different time periods. The transitions across decades are handled with clarity and elegance, thanks to thoughtful set elements that provide visual continuity while subtly indicating change. The props are neither excessive nor minimal - they strike just the right balance, helping the audience remain oriented without distracting from the performances. Kudos to the Stage Manager Divya Balu.

Particularly striking is the innovative use of lighting (designed by Raven Manalo). The use of light filters to depict the artist practicing across different days - paired with changes in costume color - is executed with great finesse. This technique not only adds visual variety but also conveys the passage of time in a poetic and non-intrusive manner. It is a fine example of how technical elements can enhance storytelling when used with imagination and restraint.

The direction (by Dheepa Ramanujam) deserves special mention for maintaining a cohesive tone throughout the play. Mounting a play of this scale - with its rich musical elements, period transitions, and strong ensemble cast - requires both artistic conviction and meticulous execution. Despite spanning multiple decades and emotional states, the narrative never feels disjointed. The pacing allows moments to breathe, giving the audience time to absorb and reflect, while also ensuring that the play remains engaging from start to finish. Her vision and commitment have brought such a grand and nuanced production to life. A special mention must go to the Producer, Vaishnavi Sridhar and the Bay Area Drama Company for producing this play. The Producer’s effort is evident in the seamless integration of various elements, resulting in a production that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Kudos to them and look forward to more such productions from them.

The playwright, Anand Raghav, deserves equal admiration for weaving a complex tapestry of characters and bringing them vividly to life, creating a narrative that is layered, compelling, and emotionally resonant without ever losing its authenticity.

In conclusion, Sruti Bhedham is a thoughtfully crafted production that combines strong performances, evocative music, and intelligent staging to create a memorable theatrical experience. It is a play that respects its audience, inviting them to feel, reflect, and connect - without ever revealing all its layers at once. For anyone who appreciates meaningful storytelling and finely tuned performances, this is a production well worth experiencing live.

The play is running through Saturday, March 21st, at the Sunnyvale Theater. You can get tickets from here.